Portret van Godfried Thomas 1670 - 1713

Pieter Schenk’s portrait immortalizes Godfried Thomas, a philosopher and physician, through the graphic arts. Encircling Thomas, we see the inscription ‘Beata Tranquillitas,’ paired with an emblem of a sphere atop a pedestal. This image, laden with the symbolism of peace and order, echoes through time. The sphere, a symbol of completeness, finds resonance in ancient cosmologies and Renaissance allegories alike. The concept of "Tranquillitas" was first introduced by Roman Emperor Galba through coin inscriptions. In Schenk's print, 'Tranquillitas' reflects a desire for inner peace and societal stability, a sentiment intertwined with the sitter's persona as both physician and philosopher. This quest for serenity speaks to a deeper, collective yearning. These symbols, pulsating with historical weight, stir our subconscious, engaging us in a timeless dialogue about humanity's pursuit of balance. The symbol has had a cyclical progression. It surfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.